Go Back
–+ servings
what is carnitas meat

Carnitas Recipe

No ratings yet
This authentic carnitas recipe delivers tender, juicy pork with crispy golden edges. Made with pork shoulder, citrus, garlic, and Mexican spices, it's perfect for tacos, burritos, rice bowls, and more.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pounds pork shoulder, cut into large chunks (For the Carnitas)
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp dried Mexican oregano
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 large white onion, quartered
  • 6 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 orange, juiced
  • 2 limes, juiced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp lard or vegetable oil
  • 1 cup diced white onion (Optional Toppings)
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 limes, cut into wedges
  • Salsa verde
  • Guacamole
  • Corn tortillas

Equipment

Method
 

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels.
    Season all sides with salt, black pepper, Mexican oregano, and cumin.
  2. Place the pork in a Dutch oven.
    Add onion, garlic, orange juice, lime juice, bay leaves, chicken broth, and lard.
    Mix gently to coat the pork.
  3. Cover and cook at 300°F (150°C) for 3½ to 4 hours.
    The pork should become fork-tender and easy to pull apart.
    Slow Cooker Option:
    Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 5 to 6 hours.
  4. Remove the pork from the cooking liquid.
    Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
    Discard bay leaves.
  5. Spread shredded pork on a baking sheet.
    Spoon ½ cup of the cooking liquid over the meat.
    Broil for 5 to 8 minutes until crispy golden edges develop.
    Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  6. Serve warm in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, rice bowls, or tortas.
    Top with diced onions, cilantro, salsa verde, and fresh lime juice.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 34gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 640mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2g

Notes

  • Pork shoulder provides the best balance of flavor and tenderness.
  • Don't skip the broiling step, it creates the signature crispy carnitas texture.
  • Leftover carnitas can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight container.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!